Netflix is set to release a new show titled "The Altruists" on November 19, 2026, dramatizing the infamous FTX scandal that shook the cryptocurrency world. The series centers on the real-life figures Sam Bankman-Fried and Caroline Ellison, who played central roles in the collapse of the crypto exchange, leading to their imprisonment. This release is timely, coinciding with a period of heightened public interest in tech industry controversies.
The show features Anthony Boyle portraying Sam Bankman-Fried and Julia Garner as Caroline Ellison. The narrative captures the complex ethical and financial missteps behind FTX’s downfall, exploring the paradox of effective altruism, a philosophy that influenced these figures. Co-showrunner Graham Moore expressed fascination with the true stories of Bankman-Fried and Ellison, emphasizing the remarkable and almost unbelievable nature of their characters.
"The Altruists" joins a growing list of high-profile dramatizations and documentaries about recent technology scandals, shedding light on the human stories behind headline-making business failures. Netflix aims to bring nuance and depth to this strange, dramatic chapter in tech history. The timing of the show’s premiere also aligns with other notable releases covering figures like Elizabeth Holmes, reflecting a continued appetite for technology-based true crime stories.
This scripted series adds to ongoing cultural examinations of greed, innovation, and accountability in Silicon Valley and beyond. With anticipation building, viewers and industry watchers will see how Netflix interprets the fall of FTX and its key players, offering a window into one of the most significant financial scandals of the decade. "The Altruists" premieres just before Thanksgiving, November 19, 2026.
Start the discussion with a take, question, or market read.